ASUS recently launched the ZenBook 13 in IFA 2018. Dubbed as the most compact 13-inch laptop, many were impressed that the device is still packed with powerful offerings to accompany users on their daily activities. To spice up the series, ASUS is bringing its Burgundy Red variant in the Philippines to make it more sophisticated, premium, and a total headturner.
 |
| ASUS ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red Hands-on and Initial Impression |
Luckily, our team got a chance to experience the new ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red. Here’s our initial impression, let’s start!
PHYSICAL:
 |
| 25% Smaller than Other 13-inch Laptops |
The ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red can easily steal someone else’s attention. Flashing a premium body, the device is expected to standout and outshine other laptops when it comes to its look.
However, what we like the most about its physique is that it’s too compact at only 16.9mm x 302mm x 189mm. It isn’t as heavy as other 13-inch laptop as well. Personally, I own a 13-inch notebook but unlike the ZenBook 13, I still couldn’t put it inside my bags. This is why I am really impressed when I was able to work with ASUS’ new device.
 |
| Burgundy Red Metal |
Its size is really convenient for users, plus it only weighs 1.19kg. Portable enough, it allowed me to work even if I’m always on-the-go. Hence, it easily earned two thumbs up from our team as it can disguise itself as a smaller machine than other 13-inch laptops.
Going back to its design, ASUS dressed it with a spun-metal finish to give off a sturdy body while maintaining its charisma.
ASUS also claimed that it was able to pass military-grade (MIL-STD-810G) reliability standards. With this, the device is said to survive accidental drop, shock, and vibration, as well as extreme altitude, temperature, and humidity. True enough, even if it’s smaller than other notebooks, we could still feel its toughness when we're using it.
Meanwhile, its chassis bothered me as it can easily attract smudges. So, to avoid turning this premium-looking laptop into a messy notebook, I had to wipe it every now and then to preserve its beauty.
DISPLAY:
As the name suggests, the ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red features a 13.3-inch IPS screen that flashes the new frameless four-sided NanoEdge design. Sporting a 95% screen-to-body ratio, it’s notable that ASUS was able to maximize its size by offering an impressive screen area. Also, the tech giant worked on redesigning its camera module to deliver a slimmer top bezel, while not changing the position of its sensor.
 |
| 13-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Display |
Having a 1080p resolution, we enjoyed watching videos using the device as it has good viewing angles. It has rich and vibrant colors, too. Moreover, the panel is equipped with Anti-Glare coating, allowing us to comfortably use it outdoor. Its color accuracy also helped us editing photos without overdoing it.
Meanwhile, when it comes to its brightness, we preferred to put it at its lower level to avoid hurting our eyes.
OTHER FEATURES:
The ZenBook 13 is armed with Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel. We enjoyed its white backlight most especially when we’re using it in low-light settings.
If we’re too impressed about how ASUS delivered a 13-inch display with its tiny size, then, we have to pop some bubbles if we’re going to talk about its keyboard. Due to its small area, its keycaps were compensated. For instance, it’s prone to typographical errors because of its placements. This issue is still manageable, though.
To bounce back, the device is geared with the brand’s ergolift hinge design to offer a comfortable typing experience. Aside from comfortable typing, this feature also delivers an enhanced audio performance, and improved cooling system.
One of the coolest features of the ZenBook 13, on the other hand, is its NumberPad. Its touchpad doubles as an LED-illuminated numeric keypad, which can be enabled through the sensor located at the top-right corner of the touchpad. Consumers can still use the touchpad even when its NumberPad is enabled, too.
So, far...
The ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red is really a stunning laptop with capable features. All of these worked fine during our experience, but we don’t have enough time to get familiar with its keyboard. When we used the ZenBook 13 for our work, the laptop could last for almost 8 hours on a single charge, however, ASUS promised that its 50Whrs 3-cell Li-ion battery could run up to 14 hours.
We hope that our team can spend more time to test the laptop, as we’re not able to push it on its limit when it comes to its overall performance. Meanwhile, we have already set our expectations as it is powered by Intel Core i5-8265U processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX150 2GB GPU, 8GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 3.0 x2 SSD.
Having these things on our mind, the ZenBook 13 could be a good device for multitasking, such as video and photo editing. However, in terms of gaming experience, we could expect that it won't bring a superior performance but it's acceptable since it wasn't aimed for that.
The ASUS ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red will be available beginning March 2019 in all ASUS Concept Stores, and Authorized resellers nationwide. It is priced at Php66,995.
For now, we can say that if you have enough bucks in your pocket, then, you can consider getting the ZenBook 13. We’re not able to have an in-depth review yet, so, we’re just focusing on its features that we have already played around with.
Hence, if you’re always on-the-go but you can’t leave without a capable machine inside your bag, then, the ZenBook 13 might be your perfect companion to achieve your daily tasks. Really, it could fit in!
So, is it a yay or nay? Let us know what you think!
See Also: ASUS Unleashes ROG Strix XG HDR Gaming Monitors
The ZenBook 13 is armed with Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel. We enjoyed its white backlight most especially when we’re using it in low-light settings.
 |
| Full-size Backlit Keyboard |
If we’re too impressed about how ASUS delivered a 13-inch display with its tiny size, then, we have to pop some bubbles if we’re going to talk about its keyboard. Due to its small area, its keycaps were compensated. For instance, it’s prone to typographical errors because of its placements. This issue is still manageable, though.
To bounce back, the device is geared with the brand’s ergolift hinge design to offer a comfortable typing experience. Aside from comfortable typing, this feature also delivers an enhanced audio performance, and improved cooling system.
 |
| Number Pad |
One of the coolest features of the ZenBook 13, on the other hand, is its NumberPad. Its touchpad doubles as an LED-illuminated numeric keypad, which can be enabled through the sensor located at the top-right corner of the touchpad. Consumers can still use the touchpad even when its NumberPad is enabled, too.
So, far...
The ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red is really a stunning laptop with capable features. All of these worked fine during our experience, but we don’t have enough time to get familiar with its keyboard. When we used the ZenBook 13 for our work, the laptop could last for almost 8 hours on a single charge, however, ASUS promised that its 50Whrs 3-cell Li-ion battery could run up to 14 hours.
We hope that our team can spend more time to test the laptop, as we’re not able to push it on its limit when it comes to its overall performance. Meanwhile, we have already set our expectations as it is powered by Intel Core i5-8265U processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX150 2GB GPU, 8GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 3.0 x2 SSD.
Having these things on our mind, the ZenBook 13 could be a good device for multitasking, such as video and photo editing. However, in terms of gaming experience, we could expect that it won't bring a superior performance but it's acceptable since it wasn't aimed for that.
 |
| Ergolift Hinge Design |
The ASUS ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red will be available beginning March 2019 in all ASUS Concept Stores, and Authorized resellers nationwide. It is priced at Php66,995.
For now, we can say that if you have enough bucks in your pocket, then, you can consider getting the ZenBook 13. We’re not able to have an in-depth review yet, so, we’re just focusing on its features that we have already played around with.
Hence, if you’re always on-the-go but you can’t leave without a capable machine inside your bag, then, the ZenBook 13 might be your perfect companion to achieve your daily tasks. Really, it could fit in!
So, is it a yay or nay? Let us know what you think!
ASUS ZenBook 13 Burgundy Red (UX33FN-A4161T) Specs:
- 13.3-inch Ultra Slim FHD (1920 x 1080) display, NanoEdge
- Dimensions: 16.9mm x 302mm x 189mm
- Weight: 1.19kg (with 3 cell battery)
- Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8265U
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5
- RAM: 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
- Storage: 512GB SSD PCIe 3.0 x2 SSD
- Ports: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x MicroSD Card Reader, 1x audio jack
- WiFi 802.11 ac, dual-band
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Full Size Backlit keyboard
- Number Pad
- Battery: 50WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
- 3D IR Camera
- Color: Burgundy Red Metal
- Price: Php66,995
